HEALTH officials have stressed the need for Halton residents to take responsibility for their sexual health after new figures indicate an increase in HIV.

A leading professor in sexual health has issued a stark warning as new research points to a steady rise in unprotected sex.

Professor Qutub Syed, director, Health Protection Agency North West, said: 'We are seeing year-on-year increases in HIV infection which would appear to indicate that many people are disregarding the safer sex message.

'Unprotected sex with a new partner is a gamble. It is easy to get caught up in the moment, particularly after a few drinks, but there can be a heavy price to pay and it is not worth the risk.

'People must take responsibility for their own sexual health and sexual safety, especially those in high-risk groups such as gay men, young people, and HIV-positive individuals.

'We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our partners.'

The Health Protection Agency's board last week received a report that revealed that 5,016 cases of HIV or AIDS were newly diagnosed in the UK in 2004, compared with 5,047 at the same time in 2003.

In the North West, 564 people were newly diagnosed with HIV infection in 2004.

This compares to a figure of 380 that was published at this time last year for 2003.

For the second year in succession in the North West, the majority of new HIV infections were acquired through heterosexual sex.

Professor Mark Bellis, director of the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, said: 'Although many people understand that condoms can protect them from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, when people are drunk this message is frequently ignored.

'It is important for individuals to recognise that such behaviour as binge drinking will increase their risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection.'

Dr John Ashton, regional director of public health, claims the binge drinking culture among young people has had a huge impact on casual and unprotected sex boom.

He said: 'Binge drinking is a major problem that is having a devastating effect on society, but too many young people are using drink as an excuse for having had unprotected sex.

'In my view, drunkenness is no excuse for chaotic and irresponsible sex. Anyone entering into a new relationship or tempted by casual sex should at least show respect to their partner by using a condom.